ALLEN PARK - With hope building that the season will begin on time, it's time for a few email questions.

Jim: I keep reading that Mikel Leshoure will pound defenses to open holes for Jahvid Best's speed. But I don't imagine those two backs will be on the field at the same time, so won't defenses just adjust themselves depending on which back is on the field at the time?

Tom Kowalski: The idea isn't that the defenders can't make the adjustment from one style to the other in a short period of time, it's that when you need a guy to hit the corner, you've got one. When you need a muscle runner to get those three tough yards, you've got one. Putting them in the backfield together, though, does present problems in terms of whether a defense is going to pinch inside or defend the perimeter. Scott Linehan is probably spending much of this down time dreaming up creative personnel groups and attack modes.

Think about it. When is the last time the Lions had both a legitimate speed threat and power runner in the backfield?

Mike: Is Stephen Peterman still the answer at guard?

Tom Kowalski: I think Peterman is solid at that spot and he brings the toughness you need. His play was adversely affected by the foot injury that limited him most of the year. It finally started to subside in the final month and I think you could see the improvement in his production.

Keenan: Is there any truth to the assertion that quarterback Matthew Stafford doesn't move around or step up in the pocket well enough to avoid pressure?

Tom Kowalski: I don't think I've ever heard that. I think he's got pretty good awareness in the pocket and that's only going to improve the more he plays. There's a fine line between hanging in the pocket and waiting for a route to spring open and bailing too early.

Matt: In looking back a year now, how do you think the Lions did on the Ernie Sims for Tony Schefler trade? The void at WLB has yet to be addressed and last year it showed.

Tom Kowalski: Interesting question. Sims didn't fit what the Lions do so his departure was a foregone conclusion. Scheffler, though, was brought in to make the Lions more of a multiple threat team and it really didn't work out that way (for a variety of reasons). The drafting of Titus Young could mean the Lions are looking at more three-wide sets this year as opposed to two-tight end formations. That would reduce Scheffler's role even more. If Young lights it up, I think you'll see a lot of the three receivers. If he doesn't, you'll see more two tight-end.

Jamara: With Keith Bullock coming out and saying he wants to play for the Lions will they look into signing Keith Bullock?

Tom Kowalski: I just don't see it - based on age and recent production.

Doug: Since there is no "players union," the agreement will between the owners and who (once a new CBA is defined)?

Tom Kowalski: My guess is that the owners won't agree to a deal unless the union is formed again. The reason is because, if there is no union, the NFL is still vulnerable to antitrust lawsuits from individual players.